Photochemical synthesis of CuInS2 nanocrystals from a molecular single-source precursor

INOR 767

Pamela J. Shapiro, shapiro@uidaho.edu1, Justin Nairn1, Brendan Twamley2, and Mark Williams1. (1) Department of Chemistry, University of Idaho, PO Box 442343, Moscow, ID 83844-2343, (2) University Research Office, University of Idaho, P.O. Box 443010, Moscow, ID 83844
Compounds with the general formula (R3P)2Cu)2M(ER′)4 (E = S, Se; M = Ga, In) serve as single source precursors for deposition of CuME2 thin films [1, 2], which are efficient, inexpensive absorbers for photovoltaic applications. Nanoparticles of these materials with average diameters of 2-4 nm can be prepared by a solvothermal route in which decomposition of the precursor occurs at 200°C.[3,4] We have demonstrated the formation of CuInS2 nanoparticles of ~2 nm diameter through the photolysis of precursors with the formula (oct3P))2Cu)2In(SR))4 (R = i-Pr, t-Bu). We have used fluorescence, UV, and NMR spectroscopy to monitor and elucidate the mechanism of particle formation. Various chemical and physical characterization methods (HRTEM, powder XRD, SEM/EDX, ICP) have been used to evaluate the size, composition, and crystalline phase of the nanoparticles. Details concerning the photochemical decomposition of the precursors and the properties of the nanoparticles will be presented.

1. Hirpo, W.; Dhingra, S.; Sutorik, A. C.; Kanatzidis, M. G. J., Am. Chem. Soc. 1993, 115, 1597-1599. 2. Banger, K. K.; Hollingsworth, J. A.; Harris, J. D.; Cowne, J.; Buhro, W. E.; Hepp, A. F. Appl. Organometal. Chem. 2002, 16, 617-627. 3. Castro, S. L.; Bailey, S. G.; Raffaelle, R. P.; Banger, K. K.; Hepp, A. F.. J. Phys. Chem. B 2004, 108, 12429-12435. 4. Castro, S. L.; Bailey, S. G.; Raffaelle, R. P.; Banger, K. K.; Hepp, A. F., Chem. Mater. 2003, 15, 3142-3147.

 

Nanoscience: Synthesis
7:00 PM-10:00 PM, Tuesday, 12 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Hall D, Poster

Sci-Mix
8:00 PM-10:00 PM, Monday, 11 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Hall D, Sci-Mix

Division of Inorganic Chemistry

The 232nd ACS National Meeting, San Francisco, CA, September 10-14, 2006